The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1887-09-15
Washington Letter.


WASHINGTON. ID. G., Sept. 9, 1887.
The event of the season is the meet
ing of the International Medical Con-
gress, which convened on Monday last
with impressive ceremonies and still
continues in session. Albaugh's Opera
House was the place of meeting, and
the Congress was formally opened by
President Cleveland in person, whose
appearance on the stage was the sign
of loud and long continued applause,
In fact. such a demonstration was ac-
corded him as has rarely been wit.
messed in Washington. By the Pres.
ident's side sat Secretary Bsysrd and
the excellent address of the former
Was another pleasing feature of the
occasion. 1t was really unique when
several foreign physicians arose and in
their native language, eloquently re
sponded to these addresses and to that
of the President of the Congress. Next
a business meeting, followed by ball
and banquet, at night, at the Pension
Office, which it is estimated was at.
tended by at least six thousand per.
sons. Then. on the next night, the
President gave the doctors q grand
reception, the pleasure of which was
enhanced by delightful music from
the celebrated Marine Band. The
Congress meets daily, and each meet
ing is edited by able disquisitiops on
some disease, or in the learned dis.
cussion of abstruse subjects of medic i
science. Great and lasting benefits to
mankind are expected to result from
this interchange of experience and
knowledge on the part of the most
skillful talented physicians of the
world-a hope that 1 doubt not will
bear full fruition to thousands of suf.
ferers throughout the broad borders of
civilization. This is the ninth meet.
ing of the Medical Congress-the first
in the United States-and it may now
be regarded as established on a perma
nent basis.
The tariff conference is still in pro.
gress at Oak View-being participated
in by President Cleveland, Speaker
Carlisle, and congressman Mills and
Scott; also by Secretary Fairchild, who
was summoned by telegraph from his
leave Of sbsencs in New York, for this
special purpose-the latter circum-
stance confirming beyond any doubt
the report of the important consulta-
ton in question. 1t Is said that the
tariff bill to be framed by the Admin
istration will be presented to all Dem
ocretic congressman rs party meas
ure, and that its support by the next
session will be required as test of
party fidelity. Mr.. Randall is also in
the city, but he disclaims any inten.
ton to discuss politics or the tariff on
this visit, though he says he will prob.
ably call on the President while here.
1t is believed that the tariff scheme in
process of incubation will be of such
conservative character that it will Sc
cure the adhesion of protection DEM
ocrats.
Your correspondent is gratified to be
able to state that few of the rascals
are being turned, out and replaced by
the brave boys in the service. Edgar
L. Vincent, publisher of the Advocate,
in Ti0ga county, New York, who is q
special pension examiner. stationed at
the home of General Sherman, was
bounced for abusing an Administra-
tion that was good enough to keep him
in Office two years another is prom
inent clerk in the Indian Office, who,
having been there twenty years or
more, has outlived his usefulness, and
I hear of several others who have gone
and will have to 60 from the Pension
Office. There are more clerks on leave
of absence now than ever before, pc, /.
haps-the number from the latter
bureau being eight hundred. Such a
great number wished to go from the
Post Office Department, that in order
to transact the routine business, leaves
of absence had TO be restricted
1t is considered here that Mrs.
Cleveland's letter, declining the invi.
tation of the Mayor of New York to
present flags to the city firemen, was
in fine form. and merited rebuke to
the authorities of the metropolis for
not including the President in the
proposed ceremony. a-a-
The surprising resignation of Hon.
Jas. D. Porter, of Tennessee. Assistant
Secretary of State, causes almost gen.
eral ragret at the Capital, "a he is one
of the most accomplished and popular
statesmen in public life.